Senior Mechatronics Engineer

Our Company

Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking a Mechatronics Engineer in Crossville, TN. The Mechatronics Engineer is a highly skilled engineer with a proven track record of creating innovative, clever mechanisms and demonstrating strong system-level design thinking. As part of our dynamic team, you’ll contribute to the development of complex, multi-disciplinary systems by making well-considered design decisions that enhance the functionality and elegance of the entire system. If you're an engineer who consistently brings ingenuity to your designs and excels at both conceptualization and execution, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Mechanical design using CAD to build up 3D system/product models.

• Innovative Mechanism Design: Develop and design complex mechanical systems, focusing on creative and efficient mechanisms that integrate seamlessly into larger systems. You’ll regularly be tasked with solving intricate engineering problems by thinking at both the component and system level.

• System-Level Design Thinking: Understand the broader system architecture and ensure that component-level decisions contribute to an elegant, functional whole. You’ll work to ensure that mechanical subsystems complement electrical, software, and control elements, optimizing for overall system performance.

• CAD Mastery: Utilize advanced CAD software (such as SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) to create detailed 3D models, assembly drawings, and technical documentation for both quick prototypes and final designs. Your designs will reflect both individual creativity and the needs of the overall system.

• Rapid Prototyping: Collaborate with the team to bring designs to life through rapid prototyping, iterative development, and hands-on testing. Be comfortable working with various tools and technologies to quickly build and evaluate your designs.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and other team members to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems into larger projects, with a deep understanding of how your design choices impact other disciplines.

• Component Optimization for System Performance: Make intelligent design decisions at the component level that enhance the system’s performance, reduce complexity, and improve reliability. You’ll think critically about how each part contributes to the overall system's success.

• Problem Solving: Exhibit a creative, problem-solving mindset, using a mix of engineering fundamentals, trial and error, and ingenuity to develop functional, reliable, and elegant mechanical solutions that align with system goals.

• Iterative Design: Embrace the spiral design process, working in fast-paced cycles to continuously improve and refine designs based on testing and feedback.

• Team Engagement: Participate in design reviews, offering insights on how to improve the system’s efficiency and elegance through thoughtful mechanical design. Share your knowledge of system-level impacts and learn from other team members.

Basic Qualifications

• Requires a bachelors or masters degree in Aeropspace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline.

• Requires 5-10 years of experience designing and implementing innovate mechanisms for aerospace or defense that work effectively within larger systems. The experience should demonstrate creativity, functionality, and an understanding of mechanical principles at both the component and system levels.

• CAD Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Creo) is essential. Experience with simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) and their use in optimizing both individual components and systems is a plus

• Prototyping and Fabrication: Experience with hands-on prototyping, 3D printing, CNC machining, and other fabrication techniques, with a focus on building components that integrate into larger systems effectively

• System Thinking and Multidisciplinary Skills: Proven experience designing with system-level thinking in mind. Experience working alongside other engineering disciplines such as electrical or software is beneficial. Exposure to robotics, automation, or mechatronics systems is a strong plus.

• Analytical Skills: Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including materials science, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and how they apply to system-level designs.

• Component-Level Optimization: Ability to optimize individual components for improved system functionality, reliability, and performance. You’ll take a holistic view to ensure every part contributes to a well-balanced, efficient, and high-performing system.

• Grit and Perseverance: Ability to persist through design challenges, test multiple iterations, and deliver solutions on time while maintaining quality

Bonus Qualifications

• Drone or model aircraft experience

• Experience with PCB design and prototyping of embedded systems

• Mechanical engineering course work

• Aerospace engineering course work

• Experience writing RTOS based programs on embedded systems

• Experience using Code Composer Studio and/or STM32CubeIDE

• Experience with embedded linux / raspberry pi

Benefits:

• Top-tier Benefits: 100% paid Medical, dental, and vision for employees, 75% paid for dependents

• PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days

• Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life

• End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees

• We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.

• 401(k)

• Relocation Assistance

• Professional Development Stipend

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.